The Sky Fisherman

by Craig Lesley

The lives of young Culver, his twice-married mother, and his charismatic uncle Jake have been always overshadowed by the death of Culver's father in a fishing accident. When a suspicious fire destroys the town mill and three murders occur, Culver is engulfed by the dangers he finds lurking in the place he'd come to call home. Love, death, coming of age, and Native American spiritual beliefs flow together with the forces of nature in this novel.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Native American, Read For School, Coming Of Age, Westerns, The United States Of America

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Craig Lesley is the author of 4 novels and a memoir, along with numerous other works. He has received three Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Awards, the Western Writers of America Golden Spur Award for Best Novel, and an Oregon Book Award. He has been the recipient of several national fellowships and holds a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Whitman College. Currently the Senior Writer-in-Residence at Portland State University, Craig lives with his wife and two daughters in Portland, Oregon. Both Storm Riders and The Sky Fisherman were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Reviews

[Alice Neilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason this book resonated with me. I can hear some of my friends telling why they didn't like it and I can even understand their views. But who can always explain when a book speaks to you or to some past experience or life?

I liked Culver and the many layers of his experiences and sometime innocence. I felt his growth. It did remind me of some other books of either the West, the prairie or frontier and books about the Indians and their relationships with white folks. I'm sure I haven't stated this very well but I like a glimpse at this part of the American story.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book seems to lack something important...
Hmmm... what could it be?
Maybe a PLOT?!

Yeah. There's no plot, the characters are unlikeable and I feel like some old man has cornered me and is forcing me to listen to every excruciating detail of his childhood. This book is slow, the dialogue is awkward, and I had no interest in it. Not an absolutely terrible book, but I don't plan on reading it again any time soon.

[Bill Woodburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Craig Lesley was one of my favorite NW authors in the 1980’s with his novels Winterkill and River Song, really fine stories of modern day Native Americans in the Columbia River Gorge. I had read that The Sky Fisherman had been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Sadly, it didn’t resonate with me like the earlier books, although it’s a well-written story.

[Shalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this my freshman year as a required reading. It was long, tedious, and had very little direction that I could tell. The writing style was fine, it was plain but clear and forward, but what bugged me the most were the characters. They were essentially constructed from nicely fashioned cardboard. A few had some shallow depth to them. They were all sorta different. But our main character moved without any depth at all. He felt invisible, as if he wasn't really even present in the scene. He had very little opinions or thoughts about anything. He mostly observed the world without partaking in it. He didn't care for anything, and he didn't like anything. He just requested information to keep this book going. He didn't change from the beginning of the book to the end. (Unless the increase of swearing counts as development.)

When the characters are dull, it makes anything that happens to them pretty dull too. Nothing really changed throughout this book. Maybe I just need to reread this book with older eyes, but I don't think I will. In general, I learned nothing except that old uncles sometimes like to take their nephews out fishing. And Native Americans occasionally tag along.

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Sky Fisherman. Just based on the title alone, you can tell that this is going to be a dumbass of a book. And I'm here to tell you, that it was. I was forced to read this book in school and dissect every little up and down of this book, maybe this is why I'm so bitter about it. But, I doubt it.
Plot: Nonexistent. There wasn't one, at all. Not only was there not a plot, but whatever problem their small, cliche of a town had, wasn't even solved. No, you got ZERO resolution or wrap up for this book.
Characters: No character development, in... anyone. Nope, everyone stayed flat and robotic throughout this whole book.
Then why the two whole stars Shelby?
Well, because for some reason the fact that the uncle and mom had an affair and then he died actually made me like this book. A little to morbid? Probably.
But, what the hell, shit happens right?
XOXO
Shelby

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended Craig Lesley as a local writer whose books were set along the Columbia River Gorge. This is the third one I have read and I found it to be a lovely quiet story of a mother and son and the son’s uncle. It could definitely be described as a coming-of-age story but it is so much more. The relationships in the book are complex - the connection between mother and son; between son and uncle; between uncle and the small town where they all live; between son and step-father and between son and the locals. It is also the story of a rural town where the Native community is a big factor. Throughout the book there is a sense of a deeper connection, one that this compelling young protagonist wants to discover. I liked this book a great deal and know I will continue to think about it. It is the kind of story that sneaks up on you with its profound observations. After finishing the book, I was struck by what a beautiful story it tells - one many of us can relate to.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is meant for an older audience that have lived through that time period as a reminder...maybe?... I really couldn't understand the plot of this book, it starts very tedious and I think the abandonment of Riley, or Riley in general, was irrelevant. That if Riley was not described the book wouldn't be that different. Though the book did have some wonderful mythological stories that brightened the story, or some meaningful quotes that allowed me to think.

[Jamie Grove · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a surreal reading experience, mostly because so much of the setting is based on Maupin. Lesley names a number of local landmarks like Bakeoven, the White River confluence, Whiskey Dick, Juniper Flat, etc., and seems to hint at others like "Barn Hole" and Combine Rapid." It's no secret the book was based largely on Maupin, Madras, and the Warm Springs Reservation, but it made for a strange reading experience with somethings exactly named and others thinly veiled. The location of certain landmarks were jumbled to meet the fiction, but it was difficult to reconcile this since I already had a map of the locations in my head.

The story was good, though largely unremarkable. Though the ending really got to me, I don't know how much of the plot is memorable. The narrator was at times frustrating, but true to character.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It reminded me of the feeling I had when I read WO Mitchell's Jake and the Kid. And given that I live in the Pacific Northwest, I identified a lot with the whole theme of the book.

The main character, Culver, his mother, his step-father, moved into a siding in the middle of nowhere, literally. Culver's mom has had it with the continual poverty and leaves her husband to move to the town where she lived with her first husband. Her first husband, Dave, died on the river, shooting the rapids of the Lost River. Culver's uncle, Jake owns and runs an outfitting store in the town and also provides guiding and fishing service on the river. Jake and Culver make an interesting team as Culver learns about fishing and how to navigate the river. Uncle Jake provides him with solidity and a feeling of belonging as he meets the locals in the store and on the river and from the nearby reserve.

There's no question it's a hard life with both loss and triumph. We get a peak into some of Culver's adolescent years.

[Clover · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this book fucking sucks. I rarely take time to write actual reviews, especially for books I dislike, but cmon. What was the author thinking. I didn't read this book by choice - it was for school, and everyone in my class who had to read this book ALSO hated it. Normally I love to support local authors, but not this one. What's up with the reoccurring mention of arson and fire? Gets even weirder when you dig into the authors past. He was raised in many cities, but one of them my family has lived in for decades. A bit more reason to research him, yeah? He buried his (deceased, deadbeat) father during a forest fire. Bit weird if you ask me. Anyways, I will always hate this man and this book and talk bad about it no matter what. No good reviews or comments could convince me otherwise!!

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character in this novel is Culver, a teenager who lives near an Indian Reservation in Oregon with his mother. He talks about his life and the outstanding impression his Uncle Jake has made upon him. Culver works for Jake in a dry-goods store and gets in on the conversations with Jake and all of his buddies, who include those from the reservation. The book is filled with humor and tragedy, and is reminiscent of Ivan Doig's writings. I absolutely adored the read!
"Billyum could be right. 'You white guys have a screwball notion,' he says. 'For you time's a damn straight line. For us, it's more like a wheel turning 'round. Everything you call the past is still happening right now. No use running.'"

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing in this novel. I thought about giving it a 4-star rating, but felt it was too uneven to merit it. While I loved the Culver’s story and his growth throughout the novel, I that the book overall was somewhat disjointed. For me there was too much initial focus on Riley and his issues. Once Culver and his mother moved to Gateway, I kept waiting for Riley to re-appear and play a larger part in the novel. I felt that his return was hinted at with the fire at the plywood factory, but it never materialized. In spite of this, I felt that the second part of the novel was well done, and it seemed much more even to me.

I particularly enjoyed the Indian lore and the aspects which dealt with their attitudes and relationships both off and on the reservation.

[Kristena West · Rating 5 out of 5]

rarely do I find this kind of book.... I was captured within a few pages, and this was a hard book to put down to enter the world and go to work. it has overtones of Mark Twain, dash of John Irving and some Pat Conroy.

Craig Lesley is a real honest to God writer of the olde school, meaning he can really write. I loved this book. I recommend it. Some might say it's a man's book, but I vote it's a human's book. A week later I am still thinking and considering it.

[minz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok 3.5 stars. kids had to read it for school and recommended it since it was local and strongly based on fishing in the local area. I was unable to get a copy of the book until after school was over and really enjoyed some of his other works. This one was more of a coming of age boy story that had some nice twists but no real plot other than to see what happens next. Some very nice twists and turns that were unexpected and it made the book worth the read.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tired of the scattered railroad worker life, a woman and her son leave her husband and settle in a classic Western prairie town. The boy connects with his uncle, owner of a sporting goods store, and together they experience multiple adventures like locating a drowning victim, heroically stopping the spread of a fire, and rescuing flood victims. Decent character study, no real plot, a bit slow at times.

[Tom Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book, although it's probably not for everyone. Set somewhere along the Deschutes or John Day Rivers in central Oregon, country I love, this story deals with a high school-aged boy who is trying to figure out who he is, what happened to his dead father, and what is the truth in a community of many secrets. Reminds me a little bit of living in Pendleton, and some great times fishing on the Deschutes.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story. Good writing. A coming of age story of a 16 year old who discovers the details of his father's death and his mother's infidelity . His Uncle Jake introduces him to hard work, river/fishing guiding, tragedy and living life as it comes. The setting is Oregon and the neighbors live on a reservation. Gritty, real, and an enjoyable read.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no denying that the Sky Fisherman is a well written novel. It has vivid details, interesting characters but it just felt really long. I felt like I was always waiting for something, just didn’t know what it was.

[gloria beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, good story, well written. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a book as well as this one.

[Angela Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been one of my favorites for years and I have read it and re-read it multiple times.

[Brian D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. I am stingy with my 5 stars, but this is close. Definitely will appeal more to men, but there are strong women in the story. Well done Craig Lesley!

[Bright Boy Books]

Paperbook x2

[Lisa Sayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads! Spending many days of my life in small Oregon towns and on the banks of Oregon’s rivers, my mind conjured up a lot of visual imagery.

[Joseph Kincaid]

Read on Disney Big Red Boat

[Logan Krouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow, made it 13 chapters but could not finish.

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Lindsey Geddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but did not love it. It is a subtle book that leaves the reader constantly searching for something more. I think that is the point of it. Life goes on in the same circle unless you break it. The indigenous lore supplements these themes. Only the wise will see fate & destiny are themes here. Culver is like Forest Gump just floating thru life no goals or ambition except for maybe getting a dog. His mother desperately wants her son to break the cycle make something of himself probably not gonna happen. He will most likely end up like his Dad and Uncle sitting around a campfire in the stars like Obi-Wan, Anakin & Yoda.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "coming of age" story and as usual, it builds on the worn-out theme of a child on the verge of adulthood suffering a disillusionment ending in death. I am prompted to ask Why? What is there about becoming an adult that demands a young person be subjected to losing faith in the one person he/she cares for and looks up to and then further losing that person through death? in Old Yeller and A Day When No Pigs Must Die, and numerous other books, this theme is repeated. Is it that once an adult, there is no illusion, that becoming a grown-up is all about disappointment and the death of all dreams?

Is there no way a child may grow up, meet adversity, and live past it without always suffering loss?

16-year-old Culver's father drowned when he was a child. His mother remarried a man who worked for the railroad and thus they move about a lot. Finally, Culver's mother, fed up with all the moving, disappears, only to reappear a few days later with his father's brother, come to leave her husband and to take Culver away. They return to Gateway, a city in an unnamed Midwestern state. Riley's stepfather, in retaliation for being deserted, burns down his home and the railway siding where he lives and becomes a fugitive, to pop into their lives at intervals and stir up trouble.

Back in Gateway, Culver's mother gets a job and intends to further herself. She begins dating while trying to overcome some unknown animosity to her former brother-in-law, Jake, who is a fishing guide and runs a sporting goods store. Culver works in the store prior to the beginning of school and gets to know the various characters who hang around, as well as some of the Native Americans in the area.

There are deaths and mishaps as Culver learns from his uncle about fishing and hunting, but there is always the shadow of his father's death hanging over them. Culver looks up to his uncle and sees him as a surrogate father. It is during a devastating fire that Culver learns the truth about his father's death, that his mother and his uncle both blame each other and themselves for what happened. When a short time later, there is a flood during a winter blizzard, Nature, as a kind of avenging god, demands payment for this crime, whether real or imagined. (Call this a Spoiler, if you wish.)

Though Culver's mother isn't described in the most flattering terms, the fact that Jake is drawn as a very likable character makes the end even more poignant.

This was a well-written book, and a PNBA award winner, but I still found fault with the premise, as stated above. It was slow-moving and wordy as it followed Culver day-by-day in his slow journey toward manhood. The story is told in flashback by an adult Culver so we know he arrived at his destination, but the events bringing it about were dissatisfying as far as this reader was concerned. 4 stars for writing; 3 for the dissatisfaction it left behind.


This novel is owned by the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good (but not great) story by Craig Lesley. It was relatable for me personally, having lived in central WA for many years. I pictured the story set in an area like Enterprise or Joseph, OR or some similar location. The characters were interesting and the story moved along at a good pace.
I found many of his naming conventions for characters to be corny... Buzzy for the pilot, Sniffy for the glue worker at the lumber mill, etc. And much of the hometown banter seemed a little cliche and contrived... kind of like an action movie where the star barely survives some incredible crash and then dryly says, "long day at the office" or something stupid like that.
I liked it but didn't love it. Put another way, I'm glad I read it but won't be keeping in on my shelf for a future read.

[Felicity]

At least until I graduate, I am holding off on giving stars to my professors' books.

Mr. Lesley has a habit of inscribing this book "I hope this honors the rural, small-town West." I think it does.

It's a story that starts small, in the details of a working-class life lived close to the bone, and opens up into the camaraderie, suspicions, and humor of a rich small-town life. The characters in the town and on the neighboring reservation are engaging and real. The plot draws you on from the narrator's concerns to town mysteries, and is ultimately driven by the cataclysms that can either shatter or cement a community.